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MAY 8199(1 p <br />�OC�K Ci0 FA;E <br />Commissioner Bird did not think anyone on the Commission is <br />not 100% in favor of protecting the manatees, but if the interim <br />plan is too restrictive to begin with and there are more manatee <br />deaths, he feared it will result in the State practically shut- <br />ting down the river to boaters. He, therefore, would like to <br />see the interim plan the least restrictive to the boaters that we <br />can make it and still afford the manatees protection. <br />Mr. Rose stated that is the direction they are working. He <br />pointed out that as you first start proceeding south from the <br />Sebastian River confluence, the series of spoil islands actually <br />create a boundary, to the west of which there is very excellent <br />manatee habitat which is used on a very regular basis and is in <br />high need of protection. That same situation also occurs as you <br />continue south, but they are leaving out some of those islands in <br />recognition of the skiing needs, etc., and are trying to balance <br />the protection of the manatee with the uses on the waterway. Mr. <br />Rose pointed out how the protected area starts out much wider and <br />then becgmes much narrower as you proceed south and stressed that <br />they are trying to protect only the most important areas. <br />Commissioner Bird inquired if they would agree to allow the <br />boats at least 20 mph from the U.S.I. bridge out to the Intra- <br />coastal once they exit the St. Sebastian River.. He noted there <br />is a wide expanse of water there. <br />Mr. Rose advised that is an area they are still studying. <br />It is not a part of their proposed rule, and it is open for <br />discussion. What they are hoping is that through better channel <br />marking and things that are coming in the future for that whole <br />stretch between the river and the inlet, they can come out with <br />something, but it is still a very important area. Actually the <br />funneling channel for the animals going in and out is at the <br />mouth of the river, but he did believe there is room to work on <br />those areas as you proceed away from the mouth of the river. <br />Commissioner Bird asked if they are willing to accept any <br />36 <br />